Wax Melon half with detailed bamboo carving on a white background.
An arrangement with a whole and carved Giant Bullet Head Wax Melon, drink and entree on a pink background.
Man holding a freshly harvested Giant Bullet Head Wax Melon at the Baker Creek Seeds trial farm in California.
A laughing child holding a Giant Bullet Head Wax Melon seated on a porch.
Wax Melon half with detailed bamboo carving on a white background.
An arrangement with a whole and carved Giant Bullet Head Wax Melon, drink and entree on a pink background.
Man holding a freshly harvested Giant Bullet Head Wax Melon at the Baker Creek Seeds trial farm in California.
A laughing child holding a Giant Bullet Head Wax Melon seated on a porch.

Wax Melon Seeds,
Giant Bullet Head

4.515 ReviewsSKU: #WX111Min. seed count: 10
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Regular price $4.00
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Description

(Benincasa hispida). A mammoth version of the ancient winter melon from Asia. Wax melon has been dated back to 2700 years ago in China; thanks to its long history, countless recipes exist for this versatile fruit. A staple winter food, its waxy rind helps to preserve the fruit for up to 12 months. The flesh is candied and stuffed into dessert pastries, stewed into hearty winter soups, stir fried and used to fill moon cakes for China's Autumn Moon Festival. Fruit can weigh up to 75 pounds each. This beautiful black type is a popular wax melon variety in China, but still unknown here. Named for the long dark fruit which resembles a bullet. Excellent storage quality and snow-white flesh. An excellent substitute for zucchini squash, but these are tastier! Thin (and eat) young fruit to get giant-sized fruit.

Growing Tips: The Giant Bullet Head wax melon is a traditional heirloom variety that grows best in full sun. This heat-loving plant requires a long growing season and plenty of space for its vigorous vines. Grow it in rich, moist, well-draining soil.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Benincasa hispida
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
3–10
Days to Maturity
100–120
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
3 ft.
Ideal Temperature
65–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

In warm climates, sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed to at least 70 F. For short-season growers, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost to extend the growing period. Learn more about determining frost dates in our blog post, 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Germination happens best at 75-90 F. To improve germination rates, soak seeds for 24 hours before planting. Once seedlings are established and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them about 3 feet apart in the garden. Provide a sturdy trellis or allow vines to sprawl, but be sure to use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Grow

Keep plants consistently watered, especially during fruit development, but avoid waterlogging the soil. A thick layer of mulch helps maintain moisture and prevent weeds. While wax melons are generally pest-resistant, they can be affected by aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Use kaolin clay as a natural deterrent, encourage beneficial insects, and manually remove pests if needed. Since wax melons require strong pollination, hand-pollinating the flowers may improve fruit set in areas with low bee activity.

How to Save Seeds

  • Gourds are easily cross-pollinated, so it is advisable to isolate different seed-saving varieties up to 1/2 mile to ensure seed purity.
  • A minimum of 15 plants of each variety should be grown to avoid inbreeding issues. Harvest fruit before it has dried out when it is still green in color but has developed a tough skin.
  • Scoop seeds to dry; they will remain viable for about 4 years when stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

FAQ

What is the best way to store a harvested Giant Bullet Head wax melon?

Wax melons have excellent storage capabilities. Keep them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, and they can last several months without refrigeration.

How can I tell if my Giant Bullet Head wax melon is overripe?

An overripe wax melon will have very tough skin and overly mature seeds inside. For cooking, it's best to harvest when the fruit is full-sized but still firm.

Can I eat the skin of the Giant Bullet Head wax melon?

No, the skin is too tough to eat. It is usually peeled before cooking, though the flesh and seeds are commonly used in dishes.

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